As Earth Churns…21a. Heaven and Earth Overlook

Heaven

After that the years passed quickly. Each day seemed as a thousand years and a thousand years seemed barely a day. The housing project was taking shape. Gabriel had completed Phase One, received the gratitude of the Trinity, been informed that his task was not nearly finished, and – much to the deity’s surprise – eagerly started on another 144,000 habitats for humanity.

Jesus had completed designing and building Rainbow Bridge as a pet sanctuary. When he reported to his Father, he had solved the unwanted pet problem. He suggested that angels adopt the pets whose owners didn’t make it to heaven. Since dogs and cats – and even a few other species – were destined to be a prolific part of heaven after Armageddon, why not allow those animals to be chosen by angels and enter heaven in advance of the end of Earth? God approved the plan. It was explained to the angels who accepted it with overwhelming enthusiasm.

Earth Overlook

Raphael, one of the most curious and imaginative angels, had adopted the habit of spending long periods of time at the Earth Overlook. He was always watching – waiting for something uniquely exciting or simply interesting to occur below. When the episodic adventure had concluded, Raphael would immediately scurry to wherever angels were gathered for work or relaxation and proceed to relate in great detail what he had witnessed. He had a way with words combining the enthralling tales with vivid imagery, wild gesticulations, and an energetic and enthusiastic exuberance unequaled in those heavenly realms.

One day Jesus approached Raphael at the overlook. He began, “Hey, Raphael! What’s happening?”

Raphael answered rather sullenly, “Not much today – kind of quiet down there.”

“Good,” Jesus continued. “There’s something I’d like to speak with you about.”

“Sure, Jesus,” Raphael replied eager for anything to break the monotony of his vigil. “What’s up?”

Jesus explained, “You know how you’re always observing stuff down on earth and then you share those stories with the angels at the various work projects?”

“Yes,” Raphael said somewhat defensively. “Anything, uh, wrong with that? They seem to enjoy listening as much as I enjoy the telling.”

“No, Raphael,” Jesus assured him. “It’s just that, with all the angels so busy with their various labor tasks, they don’t always get to hear all your narratives; or, if they do, the work gets shirked for awhile.”

“So, you want me to quit doing that?” The angel inquired.

“Not at all, Raphael. In fact, just the opposite,” Jesus reassured him. “Let me explain. I spoke to my father and we are in complete agreement.”

Raphael interrupted, “Agreement about what?”

Jesus went on, “We’d like you to begin publication of a newspaper.”

“A what?” Raphael was surprised.

“A newspaper,” Jesus repeated. “It’s a communication tool that mankind will use prolifically some centuries from now. Humans will observe what’s going on around them and then write it down so that others can enjoy the stories in their spare time. It’s the best of both worlds. You get to observe and create the stories, the angels get to learn all the details, and the work projects continue on schedule.”

“Sounds like a great idea!” Raphael nearly shouted. “When do I start?”

“Immediately,” Jesus gestured back toward the palace. Working angels could just barely be seen on the roofs of the houses under construction on both sides of the palace.

“But there is absolutely nothing going on down there right now,” Raphael stated in frustration, gesturing toward Earth. “And there hasn’t been for days and days. Adam and Eve seem to just sit around their hut. He plans the boys’ chores while she cooks and cleans. Cain tends the crops and his younger brother Abel looks after the herds of animals. What’s newsworthy about that? I’d either have to embellish and exaggerate the facts…”

Jesus cut in with a chuckle, “You mean more than usual?”

“To the point of prevarication,” Raphael admitted, “or my tales wouldn’t be worth hearing, certainly not repeating.”

“I think I can help you there, Raphael,” Jesus reassured him. “My father just gave me an assignment that will take me to Earth for an encounter with Cain. I think you and the other angels will find it interesting.”

[to be continued]